The result is “25” (Road Narrows/Signature Sounds), a cool, compelling collection. A sharp songwriter and a hot-handed, Berklee College-trained picker who honed her craft on the streets, Larkin writes songs that tug heartstrings without resorting to cheap tricks. She also can dazzle with her guitar prowess.

Larkin will kick off the Urban Campfires season with a house-style concert Saturday at Lions Field Activity Center, 2809 Broadway. Boston singer/songwriterMerrie Amsterburg will open and likely will work with Larkin — she is featured on the “25” song “Inside Your Painting.” Tickets cost $20 in advance, $25 at the door (if there's space). Call (210) 824-1068 or go to www.urbancampfires.com for reservations. There'll be a potluck meal at the break.

Disaster Rock

Not in the mood for love songs and a potluck? Then try this. Texas is populated by a whole lot of rock bands. To prove the point, and to prove there are also a lot of rock fans in the Lone Star State, here's Disaster Fest, a multiband touring show that will take over San Angelo's The Deadhorse Friday night, move to Nightrocker Live in S.A. on Saturday and wind up Sunday in Austin at The Dirty Dog Bar.

The Nightrocker edition is scheduled to start at noon and feature, in order of appearance beginning at 1 p.m.,Johnny Pecker, Black Bone Child, White Rhino, The Killing Floor, 3 Kisses, Drowning Mona, Thunderosa, New Disaster, Amplified Heat, Shotgun Rebels, The Bexar County Bastards, The Heroine and The Crash at Crush. That bill features a variety of rock, most from the hard side, courtesy of outfits from S.A., Austin, Dallas and San Angelo. And it costs only $5 to get in.

Saturday at Texas Pride Barbecue from 4 p.m. to midnight, there'll be a benefit for the Roberts family. Son Dillon Lee Roberts died in June as a result of a dirt-bike accident. Music will be byJack Higginbotham at 7 p.m.

Doug McNeel and Sons of Maverick will stage a benefit for Haven for Hope at 4 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church, downtown at 404 N. Alamo St. McNeel will showcase songs from his Americana CD “The Great Awakening.”